The South Rim is Open and Ready for Visitors – Despite the North Rim Fire
We want to take a moment to share an important update regarding the wildfire currently making headlines. As many of you may have heard, the Dragon Bravo Fire—sparked by lightning—has impacted areas of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim over the last several days. Sadly, this fire has resulted in the loss of several historic structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge, the visitor center, and a number of surrounding cabins and facilities.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, perched at 8,000 feet among aspen and pine forests, was a treasured piece of the park’s history for nearly a century. Its loss is deeply felt, and our thoughts are with everyone connected to this special place.
Most importantly: Everyone is safe. No injuries have been reported among visitors or park staff. Fire crews continue to work tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect the surrounding natural areas.
The South Rim is Completely Unaffected
While the North Rim has unfortunately been closed for the remainder of 2025, we want to be absolutely clear—the South Rim is wide open, operating normally, and as stunning as ever.
The South Rim, where the vast majority of Grand Canyon Adventures tours take place, has no closures affecting our operations. All of our Grand Canyon Day Tours, Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Tours, and other experiences are running exactly as planned. Lodges, campgrounds, and visitor facilities on the South Rim are all open and welcoming guests.
For those unfamiliar with the geography of the park, the North Rim and South Rim are over 200 miles apart by road. They’re essentially two separate destinations, each with its own unique landscapes and experiences. Conditions on the South Rim remain excellent—clear skies, safe trails, and breathtaking views. The fire is nearly 20 miles from the South Rim, and prevailing winds are carrying smoke away from the main visitor areas.
A Perfect Time to Visit
There’s even a silver lining—visitation is down compared to a typical summer. That means fewer crowds, more availability at iconic South Rim lodges (including rare same-day openings at the historic El Tovar), and a quieter, more personal Grand Canyon experience. If you’ve been thinking about visiting, now is truly one of the best times in recent memory to see the canyon.
The Grand Canyon’s Resilience
The Grand Canyon is bigger than any single viewpoint, lodge, or trail. Its beauty and scale remain as awe-inspiring as ever. Even with the temporary loss of a historic landmark, this remarkable place continues to welcome visitors with open arms—and so do we.
We’re grateful for your support, and we look forward to showing you the wonder of the South Rim on your next adventure.
See you on the trail,
The GCA Team